Utah Jazz fully invested in youth movement

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4 Sports) – The Utah Jazz held its annual Media Day on Monday, and while the NBA playoffs seem to be far off in the distance, the team is excited about its young core of players.

The Jazz won just 17 games last year, tied for fewest in the NBA, and its worst record in franchise history. After trading away veterans like Jordan Clarkson, John Collins and Collin Sexton this past off-season, the Jazz committed to playing the younger guys.

“We’re the youngest state in the country,” said Jazz owner Ryan Smith. “And we’ve got one of the youngest teams in the NBA. There’s no way that we’re going to be able to get to our ultimate goal of winning a championship if it’s not through a youth movement here.”

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So when exactly will the Jazz become competitive again?

“It’s hard to do timelines,” said first-year general manager Austin Ainge. “We’re focused so much right now on helping these guys get better every day.”

With so much young talent, how will head coach Will Hardy decide who gets to play?

“I think the word ‘earned’ is very important,” Hardy said. “It has to be a meritocracy because you’re going to have a team that’s split with a group that knows they’re going to play no matter what they do. Then you have a group that knows they’re not going to play no matter what they do.”

The unquestioned star on the team is Lauri Markkenen, who may or not be around at the end of the year. But he’s enjoying getting to know the younger players.

“The vibes are great,” Markkanen said. “They’re really joking around. Obviously, they’re bunch of kids, but it’s been fun to be back. I can’t wait to be spending more time with those guys and get to know them better.”

One of those young guys, starting center Walker Kessler, does not have a contract extension in front of him, but he doesn’t want to think about that now.

“I don’t want it be a distraction for me or for my teammates,” said Kessler, who would become a restricted free agent at the end of the season if he doesn’t sign. “But that being said, I’m definitely a little frustrated, regardless. I love Utah, I love the fan base, I love my teammates.”

“We’re big fans of Walker,” Ainge said. “We have talked with him and his people all summer, and we hope to have him around long term.”

First round pick Ace Bailey, the third overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, is grinning from ear to ear as he awaits to make his NBA debut.

“I’m ready,” Bailey said. “I mean, from working out, everything here, first game, first year, I’m ready. I’m pumped. I’ve got to words for it, really.”

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After missing virtually all of last season with a horrific leg injury, Taylor Hendricks has bulked up and is ready to contribute this season.

“I feel like I’ve been in the off-season since the start of last season,” Hendricks said. “The amount of preparation I’ve been doing, I feel like it’s a really important season for me.”

The Jazz did bring in some veterans like Jusef Nurkic, Kyle Anderson and 37-year-old Kevin Love, who is the same age as Will Hardy.

“It’s nice to have someone my age around,” Hardy said with a smile. “Kevin’s a Hall of Fame player. He’s incredible.”

“I’ll blend in with them very well,” said Love, who is about to begin his 18th NBA season. “They might call me ‘Unc’ or ‘O.G.’ or that sort of thing, but I welcome it. I don’t take things too seriously. I know when to take things seriously. We’re naturally trying to get better and working towards something in the future.”

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The Jazz tip off the preseason October 8th at Houston, with the regular season set to start October 22nd at home against the L.A. Clippers.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.

Utah Jazz fully invested in youth movement

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